7 Things You (Probably) Didn't Know About Animal Shelters

Written by Louise Louis

1. "No-Kill" Shelters Aren't Totally

In website words of one of first no-kill shelters, The San Francisco SPCA:

"(We)guarantee to find a home for all San Francisco's adoptable cats and dogs - animals that are healthy and free of serious behavior problems. Animals are euthanatized only if they are too sick to be rehabilitated, or too aggressive to be safely placed in a home."

2. Tax Supported Shelters Can't Turn Down Anyone

No-kill shelters have been criticized for skimming cream of abandoned pets and letting public, tax-supported shelters deal with all sick, aggressive and elderly animals.

There is truth to this. If you take Fido to a no-kill shelter, you may be required to have a clean bill of health from a Vet before shelter will accept him. People who won't or can't afford this wind up leaving Fido at county shelter.

3. Some Adoptions Don't Take

With pressure from animal rightists to avoid euthanizing animals, some shelters allow dogs to be adopted that shouldn't be.

The dogs have a history of biting or have chronic health problems. Typically, these problems may not be disclosed or mentioned so casually, a new dog owner doesn't understand gravity of situation.

Some shelters claim they don't take puppy mill dogs, but how could they possibly know dog's background! You most certainly can teach an old dog new tricks, but only an experienced person can train an aggressive dog.

If you ever decide to get a dog from a shelter, be sure to ask if dog has ever been adopted and then returned.

4. Personnel Is Biggest Problem at Any Shelter

Do you enjoy cleaning up after Fido? Imagine having to do it for a 100 strange dogs and for Cujo as well as Lassie. Salaries are low and even with government benefits, employee turnover is high.

At private shelters, problem is worse because so much depends on volunteers as I know from my volunteer days. How much time and attention a pet receives is dependent totally on number and quality of volunteers who participate.

10 Things to Consider Before Getting a Dog

Written by Louise Louis

1. Are there any size or weight restrictions on dogs within your condominium or community? Many won't allow dogs over 30-pounds.

2. Do you keep your home very warm? Some dogs are bothered by warm room temperatures. A Chihuahua would be a better choice than Shih Tzu in that case.

3. How much dog can you lift? A Pug is a happy-go-lucky companion but may weigh 18-pounds while a Yorkshire Terrier usually doesn't exceed 7-pounds.

4. How much grooming can you do? If arthritis is a problem, avoid longhaired breeds such as Pekingese or Maltese and look at short, smooth-haired dogs such as Toy Manchester Terrier. Beautiful coats are beautiful because they're groomed daily.

5. How much exercise does dog need? Any Terrier is a high-energy dog requiring outdoor exercise. On other hand, an English Toy Spaniel or Japanese Chin can get all exercise they need inside an apartment.

6. Is breed's temperament a good match with you? Some people find Toy Poodles too challenging and would do better with sweet-tempered Papillon.